--> The Unexpected Nature and Extent of Arsenic in Soil, Based on the RCRA Facility Investigation at the Elk Hills Oilfield, Former Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1, Kern County, California

AAPG ACE 2018

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The Unexpected Nature and Extent of Arsenic in Soil, Based on the RCRA Facility Investigation at the Elk Hills Oilfield, Former Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1, Kern County, California

Abstract

A Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facilities Assessment was prepared by California Department of Toxic Substances Control Board (DTSC) identifying 131 Areas of Concern (AOCs) at the Former Naval Petroleum Reserve-1, resulting in a consent agreement between DTSC and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate potential releases of hazardous constituents and implement corrective measures as appropriate.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were anticipated to be the chemicals of potential concern (COPCs) driving the need for corrective action. Metals were also anticipated COPCs; therefore, a study to determine the site-specific background concentrations of metals, including arsenic, was conducted. Historical information indicated that four AOCs would likely be impacted with arsenic due to historical use of an arsenic containing corrosion inhibitor, W-41.

During the RCRA Facilities Investigation, arsenic concentrations in soil were shown to require additional investigation at over 700 separate sites. Innovative sampling and analytical techniques using a field-based X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer (XRF) were utilized to analyze over 20,000 individual samples. EPA’s Triad Approach, which consists of Systematic Project Planning, Real Time Data Acquisition, and Dynamic Work Strategies, was used to efficiently characterize each site in a single mobilization. Over 450 sites have arsenic in soil greater than background concentrations, resulting in a greater number of AOCs requiring corrective measures than initially anticipated.

Rapid site characterization for metals, risk evaluation strategies, and innovative data collection and data processing techniques will be presented, give attendees specific knowledge how to successfully use field-based XRF analyzers to generate data suitable for supporting human health risk evaluations.